The First Division of the Commission of Elections (Comelec) has set the preliminary conference on the disqualification case filed by Ronald “Dave” B. Aldave against congressional candidate, Dave M. Almarinez.

The Comelec said Almarinez was accused of campaigning during the Holy Week.

The conference of the case is set on May 13 at 1:30 p.m., the poll body said.

Comelec noted that the following will be discussed:

(a) Production of a special power of attorney;

(b) The comparison between the original/ certified true

copies and copies of documentary and physical

evidence, and the electronic and physical copies of

the submissions;

(c) The simplification of issues;

(d)The necessity of desirability of amendments to

pleadings;

(e) The possibility of obtaining stipulations or admissions of facts and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof;

(f) Setting of the period to file the parties' respective memorandum, which shall not be later than three days from the date of the conference; and

(g) Such other matters as may aid in the prompt

disposition of the action.

“A summary of the documents, which includes documentary, real evidence, and affidavits of witnesses provided for in Resolution No. 9523 shall be submitted by the parties for comparison, via email ([email protected]), at least three (3) days before the scheduled conference. Four (4) hard copies of the same shall be immediately sent to the Office of the Clerk of the Commission after filing through e-mail,” it noted.

The Comelec said that the failure of the petitioner or his authorized counsel to appear shall cause the dismissal of the petition.

Meanwhile, failure on the part of the respondent or his authorized counsel to appear shall render the case as deemed submitted for resolution.